Understanding Insurance on Lease Cars

When you lease a car, it’s important to know what kind of insurance you need. After all, you want to make sure you’re fully covered in the event of an accident. In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about insurance on lease cars.

What is Lease Car Insurance?

Lease car insurance is a type of coverage that’s specifically designed for leased vehicles. It’s similar to regular auto insurance, but with a few key differences. When you lease a car, the leasing company is the actual owner of the vehicle. As a result, they require you to carry certain types of insurance to protect their investment.

Lease car insurance typically includes liability coverage, collision coverage, and comprehensive coverage. Let’s take a closer look at each of these types of coverage:

Liability Coverage

Liability coverage is required by law in most states. It covers damages and injuries that you may cause to other people and their property while driving your leased car. Liability coverage typically includes two types of coverage:

  • Bodily injury liability: This covers medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages related to injuries sustained by the other party.
  • Property damage liability: This covers damage to the other party’s property, such as their car or a fence.

Collision Coverage

Collision coverage is not required by law, but it’s often required by leasing companies. This type of coverage pays for damages to your leased car in the event of an accident, regardless of who was at fault.

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive coverage is also not required by law, but it’s often required by leasing companies. This type of coverage pays for damages to your leased car that are not caused by a collision, such as theft or vandalism.

How Much Does Lease Car Insurance Cost?

The cost of lease car insurance varies depending on a number of factors, including your driving record, the type of car you’re leasing, and the level of coverage you choose. On average, you can expect to pay around $150 to $200 per month for lease car insurance.

How to Choose the Right Lease Car Insurance?

When choosing lease car insurance, it’s important to consider your needs and budget. Here are some factors to keep in mind:

  • Consider the level of coverage you need: If you have a high-value car, you may want to consider higher levels of coverage to protect your investment.
  • Look for discounts: Many insurance companies offer discounts for safe driving, good grades, and other factors.
  • Compare quotes from multiple insurers: To get the best deal on lease car insurance, it’s important to shop around and compare quotes from multiple insurers.

FAQ

Do I Need Gap Insurance on a Lease Car?

Gap insurance is not required by law, but it’s often recommended for lease cars. Gap insurance covers the difference between the actual cash value of your leased car and the amount you owe on your lease if your car is totaled or stolen. Without gap insurance, you could end up owing thousands of dollars on a car that you no longer have.

What Happens if I Get into an Accident in a Leased Car?

If you get into an accident in a leased car, you should follow the same steps you would if you owned the car. This includes exchanging information with the other driver, contacting the police if necessary, and contacting your insurance company to file a claim.

What Happens if I Want to Cancel My Lease?

If you want to cancel your lease early, you may be responsible for paying the remaining balance on your lease. In some cases, you may be able to transfer your lease to another person or negotiate a buyout with the leasing company.

What Happens if I Return My Lease Car with Damage?

If you return your lease car with damage, you may be responsible for paying for the repairs. This is why it’s important to have comprehensive coverage on your lease car insurance.

Insurance Type
Coverage
Cost
Liability
Bodily injury and property damage
$50 to $100 per month
Collision
Damages to leased car
$50 to $100 per month
Comprehensive
Damages not caused by collision
$50 to $100 per month

Lease car insurance is an important part of protecting your investment in your leased vehicle. By understanding the types of coverage available and choosing the right policy for your needs, you can drive with confidence knowing that you’re fully covered in the event of an accident.